Phi Dang

Clarity and Confidence Life Coach known as 'The Positivity Queen'. I help you go from stuck and self critical to courageous and empowered by overcoming your negative self talk so you can conquer anything.

  • 7 Online communities for women supporting women

    The popularity of social media and increased time we all spend online has led to the massive growth in online female communities. As a result, there has been a rise in online female communities for women supporting women. These communities are inspirational because they enable women to connect and network with each other. A supportive environment for sisterhood to help each other, businesses and side hustles.

    BossBabe

    The BossBabe website
    The BossBabe website

    About BossBabe

    BossBabe is an online community for unapologetically ambitious women who know what they want. As a result, BossBabe is online female community empowers budding female entrepreneurs and business owners with a kit for success.

    Who is the founder of BossBabe?

    BossBabe was originally founded by Alex Wolf. It’s fascinating you can watch the old BossBabe material here: Original BossBabe YouTube. Wolf founded BossBabe at the age of 22! After hitting a quarter of a million followers, she sold the company at 25. Wolf now is a consultant and speaker, with an online educational platform Creative Business School.

    BossBabe is now run by Natalie Elizabeth Ellis and Dr. Danielle Canty who are the cofounders and CO-CEOs. In a BossBabe podcast episode on ‘The One Thing You Need For a Thriving Business Relationship’ the two shared how they live and work together.

    Both entrepreneurs have turned BossBabe is a huge powerhouse in the female community. You only have the look up the #bossbabe hashtag all over social media. They have over 16M followers and 1.9M+ members in their social media community.

    What do you get from BossBabe?

    The Société is the BossBabe membership program which includes an instant success kit upon joining. The membership is paid and private for female entrepreneurs to connect, build and grow. In terms of other resources, the BossBabe team have a blog and podcast in addition to running events.

    Examples of content:

    Cost of BossBabe?

    $35USD a month = $420USD a year. It is important to note, that they do offer free advice. They do this on their Instagram and on their site through blog posts and their podcast.

    Business Chicks

    The Business Chicks website
    The Business Chicks website

    About Business Chicks

    Business Chicks is Australia’s largest and most influential community for women. They also have a presence in New York and Europe. Business Chicks openly advocate that their membership is not just for women in ‘business.’ They warmly endorse that Business Chicks is about helping all women play a bigger game.

    Who is the founder of Business Chicks?

    Emma Isaacs is the founder and Global CEO of Business Chicks. Isaacs ran her own recruitment company from the age of 18. During her time she was asked to run an event for a group called Business Chicks. The rest is history as they say as she went onto acquire the group and shape it into what it is today. Emma has grown the the small Business Chicks group of 250 members into a community of thousands of engaged women.

    What do you get from Business Chicks?

    Business Chicks has over 100 Business Chicks events annually. They have high profile guests such as Brené Brown, Arianna Huffington, Nicole Kidman, Sophia Amoruso, Nigella Lawson and Jay Shetty. If you’re interested in what their Masterclasses are like refer to our Business Chicks Review on the Jay Shetty Masterclass. Business Chicks truly is an open community where non members are able to book a masterclass too. Their members do receive discounts and special members only workshops.

    Examples of content include:

    Cost of Business Chicks

    Business Chicks is a paid membership at $199AUD a year and $9.99 joining fee. Benefits include and are not limited to access to their Masterclasses, connecting with other members and a subscription to their magazine Latte.

    Girlboss

    The Girl Boss website
    The Girl Boss website

    About Girlboss

    Girlboss is for millennial women progressing whether that is personally or professionally. Their values are humour, vulnerability, curiosity and inclusivity. GirlBoss is an online community providing a place to network alongside resources and tools to progress.

    Who is the founder of Girlboss?

    Sophia Amoruso is the original Girlboss who is known for being the founder of clothing empire Nasty Gal. The humble Nasty Gal Vintage eBay store turned into one of the fastest growing online boutiques, Nasty Gal. In 2014 her autobiography was titled #GIRLBOSS. Amorouso went on to create Girl Boss Media, a company geared towards a female audience. In 2017 she launched the Girlboss platform. The rising success led to her selling Girlboss in 2019 to Attention Capital. Amouruso remains on the board of Girlboss.

    What do you get from Girlboss?

    Girlboss is a like minded community to connect and network with, They have weekly Digital Firesides with today’s thought leaders such as Payal Kadakia founder of ClassPass. Additionally they run a blog and have a video library full of resources. The Girlboss blog covers a huge range of topics such as work, money, wellness, beauty and life.

    Examples of content include:

    Cost of Girlboss?

    Hub Dot

    The Hub Dot website
    The Hub Dot website

    The Girlboss platform is open and free to anyone.

    About Hub Dot

    Hub Dot is a professional network for women that has its origins in London. They believe in connecting people to bridge the gaps, strip away labels and level the playing field. Their values are community, authenticity, humanity, sharing and trust. Hub Dot runs events through a system of five dots which replace job titles and social status.

    Who is the founder of Hub Dot?

    Simona Barbieri is the founder of Hub Dot. In Simona’s interview with Look Magazine, she speaks about the origins of Hub Dot. She was having a coffee with a bunch of friends, when a friend made a comment about feeling ‘stuck’. She wanted to help and saw the potential of connecting individual powers to make ‘things happen’. That was the beginning of what we she calls Dot Alchemy – Dots intersecting to share stories and transform.

    What do you get from Hub Dot?

    The Hub Dot events as mentioned run on a system of five dots which reflect different mindsets. The mindsets range from being new, being established, looking for inspiration or networking or being compelled to tell your story. They have run events in over 25 cities in person and now run online Hub Dot Live Piazzas. This enables women from all over the world to join.

    Cost of Hub Dot?

    Previously physical Hub Dot events are ticketed to pay for logistics and operations. As a result of a growing network, the virtual ones are now free and are supported through donations.

    Kool Kanya

    The Kool Kanya website
    The Kool Kanya website

    About Kool Kanya

    Kool Kanya is an online female community started in India. The community offers career advice and platform for women to share about jobs, careers, health and lifestyle. Kool Kanya was built to be a nurturing ecosystem for women to connect with each other and build careers they love.

    Who is the founder of Kool Kanya?

    Vanshika Goenka is the founder of Kool Kanya. In 2017, she was doing market research for a sanitary pad company. Whilst doing so, she realised it was a room full of men discussing how to better a product only for women. Goenka came to the realisation of a skewed gender ratio in the Indian workplace. As such, she was determined to create a community of women and Kool Kanya was born.

    What do you get from Kool Kanya?

    Kool Kanya is a safe space for women to connect with each other and ask questions. They provide career advice through their Power Reads in addition to running events and helping members find a mentor. Their values are transparency, empathy, self-drive, failing forward and user centric.

    Examples of content:

    Cost of Kool Kanya?

    Kool Kanya is free and open to join!

    TwoXChromosomes

    TwoXChromosomes website
    The TwoXChromosomes website

    About TwoXChromosomes

    TwoXChromosomes is a subreddit intended for women’s perspectives on the meaningful and silly. At current there are 12.7M members of the community and at the time of writing 4.5K were active online. In 2014 TwoXChromosomes was made a default community. This meant that everyone could see the community regardless a Reddit member or not. The community name “XX” is not meant to be specifically inclusive or exclusive of anyone.

    Who is the founder of TwoXChromosomes?

    According to Dailydot’s profile of the TwoXChromosomes community, the founder is a username by the name of HiFructoseCornFece. She is only known by her username which is fair enough for privacy and out of respect. In the article she says, “There is something for most everyone in 2XC, regardless of age or gender.”

    “There was definitely not one singular place or person to whom I could have gone five years ago for advice on birth control, girl friendships, love, sex, workplace survival, waxing, makeup, bras, no-heat curls, and life crises. I think it’s sanded off some of my cynicism to see that kind of support and camaraderie. We’re all pioneering this weird existence together.”

    What do you get from TwoXChromosomes?

    Conversation and connection in relation to the existence and/or experience of girlhood is on the community. They are platform for insightful dialogue, laughter, and community.

    Popular all time posts according the stats of the TwoXChromosomes include:

    Cost of TwoXChromosomes?

    The community is free to join, you will just need a Reddit account to post otherwise you can lurk on the pages.

    Women Who

    About Women Who

    Women Who website
    The Women Who website

    Women Who is a community for working women dedicated to helping women think, work, and live better. The create environments the enable connection, to share information and to have fun. The aim of Women Who is to help women get where they want to be.

    Who is the founder of Women Who?

    Otegha Uwagba is the founder of Women Who. Her interview with Elle, How I Quit My Job To Launch A Women’s Network details the origins of Women Who. Having an advertising background, she worked at VICE. After a year of working there, she quit without knowing what to do next. Uwagba had an idea that had been growing for a while to create an online platform. She wanted the platform to spotlight and supports creative working women who are figuring things out.

    What do you get from Women Who?

    They have a newsletter, podcast, worksheets in addition to running workshops and events.

    Examples of content include:

    Cost of Women Who?

    The worksheets are at a cost of $20-30 GBP. Their newsletter and podcast is free.

    Get involved in online communities, support other women and connect
    Get involved in online communities, support other women and connect

    In conclusion of online communities for women supporting women

    The world is an incredible place compared to many years ago. Women used to face many more challenges and obstacles existed for women. We now live in a society that is moving towards championing flourishing women.

    Women who support other women. Connection over community. Above all, there are a range of communities available for women that are not restricted to this list. Community can start from your local neighbourhood all the way to the big global community that exists today thanks to the internet.

    Get involved! Become a part of an online female community. There is nothing to fear or worry about. There is so much to gain by being part of an online community for women. Benefits range from connecting with others, making friends, learning how to improve not only your business or career, but yourself.

    Click here to read more

  • Business Chicks Review: An Honest Opinion Jay Shetty Masterclass

    Wow, I’m straight off the Jay Shetty Masterclass and I felt absolutely compelled to write. This article is a Business Chicks review about my experience of an online Business Chicks Masterclass. I will preface this article that I had never attended a Business Chicks event prior to this. I was not asked or paid to write this. This is an honest review of first time Business Chicks attendee.

    Why a Business Chicks Review?

    This article was created as I had heard so much about Business Chicks. I have tried to google and research for other Business Chicks reviews and could not find one. It’s funny I had seen Business Chicks all over my social media from a colleague I used to work with. To be completely honest, I was a skeptic. The old colleague of mine would have inspirational quotes all over her story. She would post pictures from a beautiful brunch in the morning and the classic shot of a goodie bag. This was my impression of Business Chicks and Business Chicks attendees.

    Without a doubt, Business Chicks has consistent and beautiful branding. I fully appreciate this as a strategist in my corporate job. However it just seemed like a movement that big businesses endorsed. Perhaps I was secretly jealous her company had memberships for every woman (it’s a great thing! and yes I totally was and still am). Read on to find out what I truly think about Business Chicks in my review. Additionally I will be sharing what I learnt from the Business Chicks Jay Shetty masterclass.

    What is Business Chicks?

    Business Chicks Website
    What is Business Chicks – An influential community for women

    Before I dive into a Business Chicks review, for those who have not heard of Business Chicks. Business Chicks is Australia’s largest and most influential community for women. For those in the corporate world at least in Australia, they are very well known for holding events. I believe they also have a presence in the US and UK too. Despite their name, Business Chicks isn’t just for women in business. Business Chicks are all about giving you the tools you need to propel yourself.

    Emma Isaacs is the founder and Global CEO of Business Chicks. When I read her story I was genuinely so impressed and inspired. At the age of 18, she started her own recruitment business (a huge feat before the whole #bossbabe movement!). Years later she was asked to run a small event by a group called Business Chicks. She would go on to take a leap of faith to purchase said group. This group would go onto become a well known movement and community amongst women in Australia and globally.

    Why did I attend a Business Chicks Masterclass?

    At the time of writing this Business Chicks review, we are currently in self isolation due to the coronavirus. I had looked up Business Chicks online a few times however I had a few obstacles in my mind.

    • 1) I thought it was really expensive from the pictures I had seen. My belief was that only huge corporate companies funded for their staff to attend. Not only that these incredible companies gave their staff the time to attend the events.
    • 2) Even if it was a free event, I didn’t have time! I didn’t even know they had online events. I’m so happy and appreciative of all the companies that enable their staff for true personal growth and development. In my current role I am absolutely swarmed. It’s the type of job where sometimes you end up skipping the gym at lunchtime to hit a client deadline.
    • 3) Previously I had never heard of any of their guests. I didn’t take a personal interest or proactive desire to understand and research the guests.

    So what finally pulled the trigger? I had happened to stumble upon a LinkedIn post. Business Chicks were offering women a free virtual masterclass in New South Wales where I reside. To my disappointment I had missed it! However I was really moved that a free masterclass was offered during a tough time for many people.

    I hopped onto the website and I had chills. I could not believe it! They had secured Jay Shetty of all people as a guest. To say I’m a fan of Jay Shetty is a huge understatement. I have been following him for a while on social media before he blew up into the mainstream arena. The opportunity to see someone speak who I absolutely admire live, it was hard to resist!

    I had expected the Business Chicks masterclass to be $100+ however to my delight, it was only $25! Not only that, the event fell on a day that I did not have work and it was held virtually. It had seemed all the stars had aligned. I slept on it for a few nights and on the day decided to take a leap of faith. I decided to join in – to see what the Business Chicks movement was all about.

    Who is Jay Shetty?

    Jay Shetty
    This is Jay Shetty

    At this point in time, if you are interested in personal development and self growth, you would have to be living under a rock not to know who Jay Shetty is. He is absolutely everywhere: Instagram, Facebook, Youtube – you name it. Jay had previously been a monk in India and Europe at 22. After this, he returned to the modern world as we know it. He went onto work at Accenture before creating inspiring and powerful videos. These videos suddenly appeared everywhere after Arianna Huffington spotted him. The rest is history as they say, he is now an incredible influencer with over 20M followers.

    My top 3 favourites so far are:

    It’s fair to say I had definitely turned to Jay’s videos during dating dilemmas.

    The Business Chicks Review: Jay Shetty Masterclass

    I think I would go on to write pages and pages if I fleshed out everything I had learnt from this Business Chicks Jay Shetty Masterclass. From the beginning, Business Chicks make it easy. I even had reminders sent out before the event which I’m so thankful for as I easily forget things!

    From the beginning there was a great introduction by Emma. She introduced Sarah who knew of Jay and of course Jay Shetty himself. Sarah Davidson (Holloway) hosted this Business Chicks Masterclass.

    On Sarah Davidson (Holloway)

    Sarah Davidson (Holloway) – Image from the Cool Career Sarah Holloway Profile

    I had seen Sarah’s posts on Instagram occasionally and had always thought she seemed so lovely. She was definitely someone I resonated with given I am a proud law school drop out. She was a former mergers and acquisitions lawyer for a top tier firm in Melbourne. During this she had a health scare and realised her passions didn’t align with her career.

    This led to new opportunities where she now runs Matcha Maiden selling affordable and accessible matcha. Furthermore she owns Matcha Mylkbar a plant based cafe in St Kilda, Melbourne, Australia. Sarah also runs a podcast called ‘Seize the Yay’. The podcast is where she investigates how some of the world’s most inspiring people find their “yay”.

    I had no idea she was into self growth and self development. She was an amazing ‘host’ as she knew about Jay which really showed. She had an incredible interview style where Jay had even admitted he had told stories he had never before. Go Sarah! I was already sold from the moment I heard her speak before Jay Shetty.

    I appreciate the fact that Business Chicks chose Sarah to interview Jay. This is because it can be incredibly cringeworthy watching a conversation between two people where the host has no idea about the guest however this was not the case today.

    On the Business Chicks Jay Shetty Masterclass

    The Business Chicks Masterclass Sarah Davidson (Holloway) and Jay Shetty
    The Business Chicks Masterclass

    As a non member, you can access the Masterclass on their website through a one off purchase. Alternatively Business Chicks offer a great value Masterclass Pass too. I loved this as I hate committing to something without knowing what a programme will be like. Sometimes the big business programs don’t allow any access at all without a membership.

    Logistics of a Business Chicks Masterclass online

    This Business Chicks Masterclass was online only through an easy to download application. I had no issues understanding how to install the application or ‘attend’ the Masterclass. The Masterclass begins with an inspiring brand piece. This is followed by an introduction by Emma of the host Sarah and the guest Jay.

    It’s handy to know that you don’t have to take notes during the Masterclass. Business Chicks record the conversation which is available up to 4 weeks after the masterclass. This means you can be fully present for the Masterclass. Personally I love taking notes as I feel I pay more attention and absorb what is going on.

    The actual Business Chicks Masterclass

    Sarah and Jay had a really insightful conversation full of nuggets of wisdom. They are both very charismatic. The conversation flowed consistently (don’t you just hate watching awkward conversations not only in real life but online too!). The conversation was inspirational, honest, human and authentic. It was a real testament to Sarah as she had a framework so it didn’t go ‘off topic’ in a sense. She knew how to get the best out of Jay Shetty!

    As a result of this Business Chicks Masterclass I have learnt so much. I will share my key learnings in the next section of this article. This Business Chicks Masterclass has definitely won me over and I would definitely attend another one sometime. I finished the Business Chicks Masterclass feeling inspired and motivated not only in my job but also in myself. I am so glad I took the time for myself to attend and invest the $25 (for a non member). If all the Business Masterclasses are like this, I need to sign up ASAP!

    Key Learnings from the Business Chicks Jay Shetty Masterclass

    The Business Chicks Masterclass on my laptop
    The Business Chicks Masterclass on my laptop

    The current situation at hand, coronavirus

    • Coronavirus affects everyone in the world, no matter who you are. It affects influencers, celebrities, your neighbour, your friend of a friends – everyone. It is a sad and humbling fact all at the same time. Definitely a global event we will all remember for the rest of our lives.
    • How this coronavirus has made it harder for everyone to numb and distract themselves. We are all guilty of doing this with being busy all the time. It is so important to sit with your feelings. Who are you without being so busy and productive all the time? Sarah noted the importance of your sense of self without external factors.
    • Jay spoke about revisiting gifts you have that you had forgotten. How you could use your gifts to impact your community. That sharing your gift in this time was a wonderful silver lining, an opportunity. He has just launched 20 days of live meditation for 20 minutes. This came from his roots as a monk and daily practice. Personally, I had definitely forgotten how I loved to write and help others. Hence why I finally got in her vitality off the ground, despite buying the domain in August 2019 last year!

    Inspiration, tools and resources

    Inspirational Martin Luther King quote
    Sarah Davidson (Holloway) mentioned a really inspirational quote during the Business Chicks Masterclass

    Concluding on this Business Chicks Masterclass Review

    Business Chicks makes the world a better place for women, Business Chicks Review
    Business Chicks makes the world a better place for women

    All in all, I am so glad I overcame my skepticism of Business Chicks to join the Jay Shetty Masterclass. Whilst I am still not a member right now, I am definitely considering becoming one. I would attend another Business Chicks Masterclass. The Business Chick Masterclass I attended was inspiring and helpful. They are a great opportunity to take the time to tune into yourself.

    It definitely did help I was a fan of the guest of the Masterclass, so it would be really interesting to attend another one of someone who I don’t know. At the end of the day if you are interested about someone’s teachings, you’re more then likely to enjoy their Masterclass.

    In conclusion Business Chicks is definitely more affordable and accessible then I first thought. Not only that it is a beautiful community, they are very active on their Business Chicks Instagram. I encourage you to find out for yourself and make up your own mind! You can check out Business Chicks here.

    Click here to read more

  • Hygge Self Care

    Learn all about this popular Hygge lifestyle which is pronounced as hoo-gah or hue-gah. If something is hygge, it is known as hyggelig.

    What is hygge? Hygge definition, Hygge meaning

    Hygge is a Danish concept that roughly translates to comfort and coziness. It’s the feeling you get from being rugged up on a cold winters day, a cosy contentment. It is well being and self care. It may be a part of the reason that Denmark is consistently ranked as one of the happiest countries in the world despite their freezing winters. In saying that, hygge is a lovely lifestyle for enjoying Winter.

    You may have seen it trending on blogs, used to market ridiculously expensive items such as candles, blankets, plates, throws and rugs.

    All in all, hygge can be summed up as self care – to be cosy, content and comfortable.

    Hygge is nourishing. Hygge is a self care mindset.

    Who invented hygge?
    Hygge has its origins in the word ‘hug’ which makes sense given its all about comfort.

    In Old Norse, ‘hug’ meant soul, mind, consciousness.

    Benefits of hygge

    • Self care – feel happier and at ease.

    • Less stress – there is comfort in taking care of yourself.

    • A relaxed state of mind – all tension melts away.

    What hygge is not

    • Hygge is not being sucked into the hype of expensive and well marketed items.

    • Hygge is a feeling, a self care mindset.

    • It is simple, Hygge is to feel at ease and comfortabx

    A warm cosy blanket and coffee, what's not to love?
    Creating the feeling of hygge

    Creating the feeling of hygge

    • A comfortable environment – A calm and inviting place to relax in. You may have a nook somewhere where you live, it could be lots of cushions and pillows, under a blanket. The use of soothing colours such as blue and muted, dusty colours – think blush, beige and tan.
    • A peaceful setting – It could be complete silence or relaxing music. The removal of distractions such as electronics and your phone.
    • A warm drink – it could be a hot chocolate, turmeric latte, tea, coffee, mulled wine.
    • Blankets – something warm and soft to keep you feeling cosy.
    • Candles – Comforting and radiate warmth. Alternatively consider your lighting, warm and soft instead of harsh.
    • Comfortable clothes – Big shirts and jumpers, trackpants, leggings, knits, socks. Hint hygge may not be glamorous but it is damn comfy!
    • Connection – Surround yourself with people who make you feel happy and loved.
    • Decorations – Whatever makes you feel warmth such as photos of loved ones, significant memories, travel etc. It could be leafy plants and succulents.
    • Mindful indulgence – Allow yourself to eat what you love without any guilt.
    • Presence – It’s being in the moment, appreciating the little things that give you comfort.
    • Relax – have a hot bath, read a book, snuggle, sip tea, play board games.

    Intrigued by different cultures and the mindsets they encourage?

    Read about the art of Fika originating from Sweden.

    the hygge life
    the hygge life

    More on hygge

    Why people are so obsessed with ‘hygge,’ the cozy Danish lifestyle movement – Cory Steig, CNBC

    What Is Hygge? Everything You Need To Know About The Danish Lifestyle Trend – Lyndsey Matthews, Country Living

    Benefits of the Cozy Wellness Trend Hygge, Jodi Clarke, MA, LPC/MHSP, Verywellmind

    Click here to read more

  • The power of now during Coronavirus

    The power of now. Thriving during a health crisis of COVID-19 Coronavirus.

    “Repeat After Me: This is not the new normal. This is the now.”

    Nedra Glover Tawwab, THERAPIST

    This quote about how this is no the new normal, this is the now… It had me thinking about the immense power of living in the moment. The power of now in times of Coronavirus.

    Being present.

    How to thrive during unprecedented times. 

    On a site note, what is normal anyway? We are heavily influenced by our upbringing, what we see in the media. What is normal?

    Back to the present moment. 

    What if this global event was a divine message of the universe to you out of your routine?

    A divine redirection, a detour Amazing Race style. An awakening.

    To remind you that you cannot control everything.

    To force you to surrender. 

    To nudge you to flex your mental muscles. 

    To be agile, adaptive and flexible. To remind you of your innate power within, that you can control our perspective and attitude. This applies to life as a whole, not only in times of a global health crisis such as COVID-19.

    When you are stuck in a rut.

    When you are feeling down and helpless.

    When you hit rock bottom.

    When you are at the mercy of events that are beyond your control. The loss of a loved one, the loss of your job, the break up that shattered your soul, the friendship where you were betrayed.

    What does this all mean?

    To be present.

    To be present in order to thrive during times of uncertainty as we globally face now.

    So how do you thrive during a health crisis such as COVID-19/Corona Virus?

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B_wwLVwASKZ/

    Be present. Be here. Be now. The power of now in times of Coronavirus.

    What a weird yet strangely incredible time, to be alive during a global event such as this. In this very moment, we are all experiencing a global health crisis. You cannot control or plan the future, like any other time, however this crisis gives you clarity on this notion.

    What you can do is be present.

    Feel your broad range of emotions. 

    I feel anxious. I feel scared. I feel hopeful. I feel hopeless. I feel nervous. I feel worried. I feel at peace. I feel positive. I feel.

    What are my current surroundings? What can you see? Is there a scent to the air?

    When eating a meal, what can you taste? Is it hot? Is it cold? Is it soft or crunchy? 

    What do you want to remember from this crisis? What is your ideal day? What lifts you up? What drains your energy? 

    Be.

    Instead of feeling frustrated that you cannot plan for the future, why not embrace now?

    Live in the moment. Live in the minute to minute, live day to day.

    Feel your mind, body and soul surrendering.  

    Surrendering to the present moment.

    Surrendering to inner peace.

    Enjoy the present moment. 

    Affirmations for being in the moment

    ♥ I am.

    ♥ I am here now.

    ♥ I am present.

    See the silver linings

    As humans we are wired to be bias to the negative unconsciously. 

    A study, Not all emotions are created equal: The negativity bias in social-emotional development by Vaish et. al states

    “…Adults display a negativity bias, or the propensity to attend to, learn from, and use negative information far more than positive information.”

    Vaish et. al

    Whilst it’s in our nature to easily see and feel the losses due to this crisis, there are silver linings.

    You know when you go through a heartbreak and you wish the world around you would stop? Well right now, the whole world is on some sort of strange pause of what you are used to. The whole world is essentially with you. We are all feeling the pain, however we all also have the opportunity to see the positivity in all of this.

    Examples of silver linings:

    Working from home enables a flexible way of living. There’s no commute to work, I can even wear my pyjama pants if I want to! I can easily do little tidbits around the house as a break from work. I’ve always wanted to know what it’s like to work from home on a consistent basis and this is an opportunity to see what it is like.

    I have more time in my day as I no longer need to commute or because my work hours have been cut. I have been given more time! I can use this time to rest, to focus on my passions, to work on my projects, to spend time with my loved ones in my household.

    Clarity on what is important to me. This virus has stripped back my daily life. I have time to reflect. The absence of certain activities, products and people in my life makes it clear what I feel is important to my life. 

    Silver lining affirmations

    ♥ I can find the positivity amongst the chaos.
    ♥ There is always a positive to every experience in my life.
    ♥ This is an opportunity to have clarity on what is important to me.

    Maintain connection

    We are forced to connect in ways that we may not be used to. The absence of physical presence and touch makes you grateful for all the times you were able to.

    Connect with old friends.

    Connect with people who uplift our spirits.

    Connect with our community.

    You can connect in various ways such as online through Zoom or Skype. Using applications such as Houseparty, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, WhatsApp, iMessage. Email. Over the phone. Find a Facebook group or forum to speak to like minded and different people.

    In saying that, you can also connect with yourself.

    You can do this by pausing. By breathing. By reflecting. Being in the present moment. 

    You are here now.

    The power of now in times of Coronavirus.

    Connection affirmations

    ♥ There are always ways to connect.
    ♥ I am well connected.
    ♥ I have the opportunity to deeply connect with myself.

    Self care

    Self care can take various forms. With daily life at a pause in this very moment, it is an amazing opportunity to take care of yourself. 

    “Self-care is any activity that we do deliberately in order to take care of our mental, emotional, and physical health. Although it’s a simple concept in theory, it’s something we very often overlook.” 

    PsychCentral

    Examples of self care

    + Resting. Doing nothing at all.

    + Doing what nourishes your soul. That could be for example yoga, making a tea, having a bath, calling a friend, reading a book, journalling.

    + Speaking kindly to ourselves and melt away the negativity. Challenge your mind to see the positivity of a situation. For example instead of “I’m bored”, “How lucky am I to have an opportunity to find something to do. My options are a, b, c etc.”

    Self care affirmations

    ♥ I am important.
    ♥ I love myself
    ♥ I take care of myself.

    Pursue pleasure, set fire to your soul, to your life

    With the gift of time, give yourself permission to explore and focus on your self.

    Pleasure is defined as “a feeling of happy satisfaction and enjoyment.”

    Pleasure comes in different forms.

    During a time like this, I’ve definitely felt guilty when I’m doing nothing… the below passage by Ella Jane in her article, “Can we stop trying to optimise our isolation?” really spoke to me.

    “The idea that we are supposed to continually self-optimise, even in the face of a life-threatening pandemic, is surely the dark underbelly of the hustle-culture we find ourselves in in 2020. We’re living in an age where each hour has been broken down for us in order to commodify our waking seconds.”

    ELLA JANE, RUSSH

    I think we can collectively agree that the age of COVID-19 is simply a terrifying time to be alive, and that tending to your basic needs while coping with so much is more than many people can handle, let alone the pressure of using each spare second to optimise our existence.

    LLA JANE, RUSSH

    We are all uniquely experiencing this moment.

    I’ve accepted and surrendered to the fact, at times I will feel like resting and doing nothing. At other times I will feel like being productive.

    No matter which it is, I hope the following questions will help you in pursuit of what you find pleasurable.

    + What is something you’ve always wanted to do or do more of? 

    + What makes you feel more alive? 

    + What makes you tingle with happiness?

    + What makes you excited to wake up in the morning? 

    + What makes you radiate positivity? 

    + What makes you smile?

    + What energises you?

    Pursuing your passion affirmations:

    ♥ I pursue my passion with zest and fire.
    ♥ I am radiantly alive.
    ♥ I feel so alive. I am full of energy. I am magnetic.

    In conclusion on the power of now, embracing uncertainty and thriving during a health crisis

    That concludes 5 tips on how to thrive during a health crisis such as COVID-19/Corona Virus.

    + Be present. Be here. Be now.
    + See the silver linings
    + Maintain connection
    + Self care
    + Pursue pleasure, set fire to your soul, to your life

    More affirmations to help you get through this uncertain time of COVID-19

    The power of affirmations to live a soul fulfilling life

    27 Calming affirmations and mantras for acceptance

    Struggling with anxious thoughts? Here are 22 powerful affirmations to reframe your thoughts for a positive mindset

    46 Affirmations to radiate self love

    Additional resources to help cope during this unprecedented time of COVID-19

    Coronavirus Anxiety: Coping with Stress, Fear, and Worry – HelpGuide

    Coronavirus: Resources for anxiety, stress & wellbeing – Black Dog Institute

    Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service – BeyondBlue

    Decoding The Power of Now – Eckhart Tolle

    Click here to read more

  • Embracing body positivity, discover inner peace now

    It goes beyond what you see in the mirror, it is finding true inner peace in your mind and soul.

    Embracing body positivity has actually very little to do with your physical appearance and all the more about your mind.

    The majority of the beliefs we hold about our bodies are largely influenced by what we see in the media and popular culture.

    Your worth is not defined by your body or physical appearance.

    No matter what, you are inherently valued and worthy of love.

    Body positivity is appreciating and embracing your body as it is. Whilst body positivity has an emphasis on self love and self compassion, please note that it is normal to have a mixture of feelings. There are days where we truly love and embrace and at other times we may not – this is part of being human. It is okay to have a mixture of feelings. The following quotes will help you embrace body positivity as they emphasise the mind-soul connection over physical appearance.

    Before we dive into your mindset, it is important to acknowledge that physicality of bodies. When exploring body positivity, attraction can come to mind however we explore the make up of human bodies which are trillions and trillions of atoms, cells and nerves. That is truly remarkable, no matter how you look!

    Your body is amazing

    You are made of stardust.

    Every atom in your body is billions of years old. Hydrogen, the most common element in the universe and a major feature of your body, was produced in the big bang 13.7bn years ago. Heavier atoms such as carbon and oxygen were forged in stars between 7bn and 12bn years ago, and blasted across space when the stars exploded. Some of these explosions were so powerful that they also produced the elements heavier than iron, which stars can’t construct. This means that the components of your body are truly ancient: you are stardust.

    THE OBSERVER

    Your nose can detect up to 1 trillion smells.

    The human nose can distinguish at least 1 trillion different odours, a resolution orders of magnitude beyond the previous estimate of just 10,000 scents.

    Bushdid, C., Magnasco, M. O., Vosshall, L. B. & Keller, A. Science 343, 1370–1372 (2014).

    Your stomach acid can dissolve metal.

    Your stomach’s primary digestive juice, hydrochloric acid, can dissolve metal. (A choking hazard is still a choking hazard, though.)

    DISCOVER MAGAZINE

    Your heart beats more than three billion times according to an average lifespan.

    Since human hearts beat at between 50 and 90 beats per minute, approximately, this means a lifespan of between 30 and 100 years (humans have lifespans in the upper part of that range, closer to three billion heartbeats than one billion).

    USCB Scienceline

    Your heart can beat on it’s own, even outside your body if it has oxygen.

    The heart does not need a brain, or a body for that matter, to keep beating. The heart has its own electrical system that causes it to beat and pump blood.

    LIVE SCIENCE

    Embracing body positivity - You are made of stardust Embracing body positivity – You are made of stardust

    Quotes

    Love your body as it is now, as it has been as it will be – it is inherently loveable no matter what.

    “If we make self-love or body acceptance conditional, the truth is, we will never be happy with ourselves. The reality is that our bodies are constantly changing, and they will never remain exactly the same. If we base our self-worth on something as ever-changing as our bodies, we will forever be on the emotional roller coaster of body obsession and shame.”

    CHRISSY KING

    Be friends with your body.

    “And I said to my body softly, ‘I want to be your friend.’ It took a long breath and replied, ‘I have been waiting my whole life for this.”

    NAYYIRAH WAHEED

    Embracing your body means to accept yourself.

    “To be beautiful means to be yourself. You don’t need to be accepted by others. You need to accept yourself.”

    THICH NHAT HANH

    Embracing your body should not be in relation to your weight.

    “Life is so much more beautiful and complex than a number on a scale.”

    TESS MUNSTER

    Just because you work on your body doesn’t mean it will automatically make you love it. Body positivity is a mindset. It’s is accepting who you are right now.

    “No amount of self-improvement can make up for any lack of self-acceptance.”

    ROBERT HOLDEN

    You are your soul. Your body is a vessel.

    “The relentless attempts to be thin take you further and further away from what could actually end your suffering: getting back in touch with who you really are. Your true nature. Your essence.”

    GENEEN ROTH

    Embracing body positivity - inner peace love
    Embracing body positivity - inner peace love

    Your body is a beautiful home for your soul.

    “This is it: This body is home. This is where I live and hang my hat. This is where I settle into my hips and sit easy in myself, slung together with strong muscles and bones, made gentle and forging with flesh. This body is durable, has lasted for years, hunkered down through fierce storms and allows for the peaceful erosions of age. It is like a cottage on the shore: weathered and well made, a place where a person could comfortable live. I like it here. It is my own.” 

    MARYA HORNBACHER

    Our bodies are a paintbrush in the canvas of life – they enable us to have rich experiences and do life

    “Stop spending all day obsessing, cursing, perfecting your body like it’s all you’ve got to offer the world. Your body is not your art, it’s your paintbrush. Whether your paintbrush is a tall paintbrush or a thin paintbrush or a stocky paintbrush or a scratched up paintbrush is completely irrelevant. What is relevant is that YOU HAVE A PAINTBRUSH which can be used to transfer your insides onto the canvas of your life — where others can see it and be inspired and comforted by it.” 

    GLENNON DOYLE

    If you’ve always been negative, try being positive.

    “You have been criticizing yourself for years and it hasn’t worked. Try approving of yourself and see what happens.”

    LOUISE HAY

    Self love is so important to enjoy your life.

    “To love yourself right now, just as you are, is to give yourself heaven. Don’t wait until you die. If you wait, you die now. If you love, you live now.”

    ALAN COHEN

    Embrace your body now, don’t wait a lifetime.

    “I don’t want to wait until I’m 73 to embrace my body. To look back and think of my beauty: How did I miss it? Let’s not wait another moment.”

    ASHLEY ASTI

    You are powerful, you define your body positivity – no one else.

    “Loving your body is about being comfortable in your body, and only you get to set the parameters of that. Only you get to decide what that looks like, and only you know where the finish line is. Never let anyone make you feel ashamed about what you decide, or don’t decide, to put on your body.”

    BRITTANY GIBBONS

    Let’s all embrace body positivity for ourselves and for future generations.

    “As a child, I never heard one woman say to me, ‘I love my body’. Not my mother, my elder sister, my best friend. No one woman has ever said, ‘I am so proud of my body.’ So I make sure to say it to my daughter because a positive physical outlook has to start at an early age.”

    KATE WINSLET

    Embracing body positivity Kate Winslet
    Embracing body positivity Kate Winslet

    Affirmations that may help with embracing body positivity

    ♥ I appreciate all the amazing things my body can do.

    ♥ I take care of my body and my body takes care of me.

    ♥ I respect my body.

    ♥ My worthiness does not depend on my weight. I am already worthy and loved.

    ♥ True beauty is in the way we feel in our mind and soul.

    ♥ I am beautiful no matter how I look.

    ♥ I am made of stardust.

     

    In conclusion on embracing body positivity

    Body positivity embraces the fact that there is no one certain physical mould for a ‘perfect body’. Being positive about your body is about self acceptance, self love and self compassion. It is about being at peace with who you are and going beyond your physical appearance. Embracing body positivity is taking into consideration your mind and soul too.

    Helpful affirmations to help you feel positive about your body

    27 Calming affirmations and mantras for acceptance

    Additional reading on embracing body positivity

    What is beauty, on being beautiful – in her vitality

    Inspiring quotes on beauty – in her vitality

    The Body Positive

    What Does Body Positivity Actually Mean? – Katherine Schreiber MFA, LMSW

    The Importance of Body Positivity – The Recovery Village

    Click here to read more

  • The art of Fika

    Be more Fika! Discover and embrace this easy, simple and popular Swedish philosophy which has so many benefits professionally and personally. This article will explore The art of Fika, what is Fika, how to be Fika and the benefits of Fika.

    What is Fika? Fika Meaning – Fika Definition

    Fika is not only a noun and a verb, it is a Swedish concept and state of mind. Fika is known as a coffee break but it is much more than that!

    Fika is a moment to slow down, to appreciate the good things in life.

    To unplug from the ever busy world we live in and embrace the slowness of life.

    To meaningfully connect with someone over a coffee or tea. No phones, no mind chatter, no distractions.

    To accept and be in the moment.

    This concept resonates with many cultures around the world.

    To have a coffee or tea break. To take a moment for yourself. To get your mind off things. To hone in on the present moment. A breather as Australians would say. 

    Fika in Sweden – Is it just afternoon Fika? It is interesting to note that Fika is actually taken multiple times throughout the day in Sweden, “almost all employers in Sweden encourage their employees to enjoy fika twice a day when at work; 20 minutes in the morning and 20 minutes in the afternoon.” This emphasises the importance of more than one break in a working day which is easy to forget when you are caught up in the hustle and grind of work. 

    Next time you find yourself at work feeling stressed or when life is flying by – Fika.

    Coffee anyone?

    Coffee anyone? The art of Fika

    The art of Fika – Coffee break

    Five ways to be more Fika at work

    The benefits of Fika

    Fika cafe locations around the world

    Fika locations around the world
    Fika locations around the world

    Fika in the USA

    Fika New York. Fika NYC – Konditori, a Swedish Fika Espresso Bar in New York. In fact Konditori means a traditional gathering place to enjoy warm drinks, delicious baked goods and treats – Very Fika! Fika Hattiesberg in Mississippi known for it’s cosy and relaxing atmosphere with delicious sandwiches. 

    Fika in Australia 

    In Perth, Fika on Brix who pride themselves on excellent coffee. Melbourne has several FIKA cafes. FI:KA in Hawthorn (Fika Hawthorn), Melbourne – a very instragrammable location with its pink theme and drool-worthy rainbow hotcakes. In Ballarat FIKA Coffee Brewers has quickly established itself as the Fika hub of Ballarat with is all about attention to detail and considerations from the first sip. Fika Manly – Fika Swedish Kitchen and Fika Bondi in Sydney NSW. Both Sydney FIKA locations, bring all the best things about Swedish culture together with modern Aussie café culture.
     

    Fika in Canada

    Fika Cafe Toronto – Located in Kensington with beautiful house made food and coffee of course! It is known to be very instagrammable with it’s cool and airy interrior and artistic book wall feature. Also in Toronto, Moonbeam Coffee Company a cosy, homey spot for espresso drinks with an outside patio area too.

    Very instagrammable!
    Fika Toronto Feature Book Wall

    Fika in the UK

    Fika Liverpool popular amongst locals for authentic tasy food and milkshakes. Fika Uppermill known for their afternoon teas and a place for baby showers. Fika Oakham a Scandi cafe offering Nordic inspired breakfast & lunch. Fika@44 in St Leonards-on-Sea known for good food in cool surroundings.
     

    Fika in China

    SMAKA café & bakery in Changning District prides itself on serving the finest and most delicious menu heavily inspired by Swedish and Scandinavian heritage and flavors, but also with an innovative and modern twist. Swedish coffee chain Wayne’s Coffee has a location in downtown Shanghai serving coffee, sandwiches and Swedish pastries.
     

    Fika in India

    Fika in Adyar, Chennai where Scandinavian design and Wes Anderson-inspired elements come together for a beautiful café and community space. “The style of the space is something of a hybrid—rustic chic. The vibe is relaxed and lounge-y, and the space itself is fluid and constantly evolving. It is also like an empty canvas and has the capacity to adapt to any events, like Diwali, or Halloween parties” says Architect Mahendra Kumar of Studio 62 in Architectural Digest India.
     

    Fika in Pakistan

    Fika Coffee Co. in Karachi, Pakistan known for their variety of coffee blends and cakes such as Tiramisu. They continuously search for the best and most innovative artisanal beverages in Pakistan.

    Coffee anyone? The art of Fika

    Find out more about the art of Fika

    Click here to read more

  • Inspiring quotes on beauty

    You are already beautiful and you deserve to feel beautiful every single day no matter what. These inspiring quotes on beauty will instantly make you feel beautiful no matter how you look.

    They serve as a reminder of what inherently already is, you are beautiful inside and outside.

    Quotes on beauty to feel beautiful no matter how you look

    Beauty is an ever evolving, dynamic concept. It is viewed from the lens of each individuals perspective. There is no one individual meaning. The below inspiring quotes on beauty explore different angles of what beauty is and will help you to feel beautiful no matter how you look. Beauty is a state of mind, it is a feeling.

    Beauty is the vitality of your soul.

    “As if you were on fire from within.
    The moon lives in the lining of your skin.” 

    Pablo Neruda

    Smiling makes you beautiful.

    I’ve never seen a smiling face that was not beautiful. 

    UNKnown

    Being beautiful is having self confidence.

    Confidence is the sexiest thing a woman can have. It’s much sexier than any body part.

    Aimee Mullins

    Beauty is being unapologetically yourself.

    There is nothing more rare, nor more beautiful, than a woman being unapologetically herself; comfortable in her perfect imperfection. To me, that is the true essence of beauty.

    Steve Maraboli

    Beauty is in your resilience. You’ve been through so much and continue to overcome any challenges.

    The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.

    Elisabeth Kübler-Ros

    Beauty is how you feel about yourself.

    How I feel about myself is more important than how I look. Feeling confident, being comfortable in your skin that’s what really makes you beautiful.     

    BOBBI BROWN

    You have to believe in your beauty.

    Although beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, the feeling of being beautiful exists solely in the mind of the beheld.     

    MARTHA BECK

    You are the eye of the beholder when it comes to beauty.

    People often say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and I say that the most liberating thing about beauty is realizing you are the beholder. 

    Salma Hayek

    By being a kind and considerate human, you are beautiful.

    When I lay my head on the pillow at night I can say I was a decent person today. That’s when I feel beautiful.     

    DREW BARRYMORE

    Beauty is beyond convention.

    “She was beautiful, but not like those girls in the magazines. She was beautiful, for the way she thought. She was beautiful, for the sparkle in her eyes when she talked about something she loved. She was beautiful, for her ability to make other people smile, even if she was sad. No, she wasn’t beautiful for something as temporary as her looks. She was beautiful, deep down to her soul. She is beautiful.”

    F. Scott Fitzgerald

    You can be beautiful instantly.

    “For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone.”

    Audrey Hepburn

    Help others see their beauty.

    “There is nothing more beautiful than someone who goes out of their way to make life beautiful for others.”

    MANDY HALE

    Beautiful thoughts lead to feeling beautiful.

    “The fountain of beauty is the heart and every generous thought illustrates the walls of your chamber.”

    Francis Quarles

    In conclusion on quotes that will make you feel beautiful no matter how you look

    “Our hearts are drunk with a beauty our eyes could never see.”

    George W. Russell

    Click here to read more

  • Understanding self love through quotes

    Self love is the source of all love.

    The below quotes will explain the facets of self love and inspire you to love yourself more.

    Loving yourself inspires happiness.

    To fall in love with yourself is the first secret to happiness.

    ROBERT MORLEY

    If you don’t love yourself, who will?

    If you don’t love yourself, nobody will. Not only that, you won’t be good at loving anyone else. Loving starts with the self.

    WAYNE DYER

    Self love is a journey and process.

    “The journey isn’t about becoming a different person. It’s about loving who you are right now.”

    Suzanne Heyn

    Take note of what you do to make yourself feel loved.

    “Document the moments you feel most in love with yourself – what you’re wearing, who you’re around, what you’re doing. Recreate and repeat.” 

    Warsan Shire

    Self love is the way you talk to yourself, your thoughts.

    Be careful how you are talking to yourself because you are listening.

    Lisa Hayes

    Self love isn’t to do with your appearance, it’s an inside job. It’s your mindset.

    “Self-love has very little to do with how you feel about your outer self. It’s about accepting all of yourself”

    TYRA BANKS

    Loving yourself is a beautiful energy of vitality.

    “Something inside you emerges…an innate, indwelling peace, stillness, aliveness. It is the unconditioned, who you are in your essence. It is what you had been looking for in the love object. It is yourself.”

    Eckhart Tolle

    Self love requires you believe in it.

    “You can be the most beautiful person in the world and everybody sees light and rainbows when they look at you, but if you yourself don’t know it, all of that doesn’t even matter. Every second that you spend on doubting your worth, every moment that you use to criticize yourself; is a second of your life wasted, is a moment of your life thrown away. It’s not like you have forever, so don’t waste any of your seconds, don’t throw even one of your moments away.”

    C. JoyBell C

    Self love is doing what is best for you.

    “When I loved myself enough, I began leaving whatever wasn’t healthy. This meant people, jobs, my own beliefs and habits – anything that kept me small.  My judgement called it disloyal. Now I see it as self-loving.” 

    Kim McMillen

    Self love is taking care of yourself.

    “Rest and self-care are so important. When you take time to replenish your spirit, it allows you to serve others from the overflow. You cannot serve from an empty vessel.”

    Eleanor Brown

    When you love yourself, you allow yourself to shine.

    “You are as amazing as you let yourself be.”

    Elizabeth Alraune

    Love yourself as you do your friends and family.

    “Love yourself unconditionally, just as you love those closest to you despite their faults.” 

    Les Brown

    Your self love sets the standard for all your other relationships.

    “how you love yourself is
    how you teach others
    to love you”

    Rupi kapur

    Loving yourself means to value your time.

    Until you value yourself, you won’t value your time. Until you value your time, you will not do anything with it.  

    M. SCOTT PECK

    If you aren’t there yet, love yourself as someone who truly loves themself – how would they act?

    “Eat like you love yourself. Move like you love yourself. Speak like you love yourself. Act like your love yourself. Love yourself”

    Tara Stiles

    Self love isn’t about other people.

    “It’s not your job to like me…it’s MINE!” 

    BYRON KATIE

    Self love can’t be found in other people.

    “It was when I stopped searching for home within others and lifted the foundations of home within myself I found there were no roots more intimate than those between a mind and body that have decided to be whole.”

    RUPI KAPUR

    Self love isn’t being narcissistic or selfish.

    “Loving yourself…does not mean being self-absorbed or narcissistic, or disregarding others. Rather it means welcoming yourself as the most honored guest in your own heart, a guest worthy of respect, a lovable companion.”

    Margo Anand

    Self love is having boundaries.

    “Love yourself enough to set boundaries. Your time and energy are precious. You get to choose how you use it. You teach people how to treat you by deciding what you will and won’t accept.”

    Anna Taylor

    You might as well love yourself as you always at least spend time with yourself.

    “You’re always with yourself, so you might as well enjoy the company.”

    Diane Von Furstenberg

    Love yourself because of how strong you are, how resilient you are and how far you have come.

    “Even when you felt you weren’t strong enough to survive, somehow you found the strength to survive anyway. What does that say about you, other than you are made from the blood of stars, with enough iron in your veins to make ten swords, and the same carbon that makes impossible to break diamonds?” 

    Nikita Gill

    When you love yourself, you radiate self love

    “People who love themselves come across as very loving, generous and kind; they express their self-confidence through humility, forgiveness and inclusiveness.”

    Sanaya Roman

    Feeling the love?

    46 Affirmations to radiate self love
    A guide on how to use love languages

    Click here to read more

  • Perspective, another point of view

    On perspective

    Perspective is way of seeing something. It is shaped by our upbringing, values and life experiences.

    It is another point of view.

    Our thoughts can change our perspective and how we see the world.

    It will be your prison or your passport.

    It is important to consider how everyone’s perspective is different, they are unique to us as is a fingerprint.

    When we consume media, we are experiencing and feeling actions and events unfold from the perspective of a character.

    When we consider another person’s perspective, we broaden and expand our horizons.

    We become aware and conscious of how we feel and perceive something to be.

    We become aware of the fact that a truth may not exist because everything is perspective.

    We become aware of our reality.

    Quotes to evoke thought on perspective

    When things don’t happen the way we want them to, it may be a blessing in disguise

    “Remember that sometimes not getting what you want is a remarkable stroke of luck“

    Dalai Lama

    It’s how we choose to see something

    “The optimist sees the donut, the pessimist sees the hole.”

    Oscar Wilde

    Our perspective gives meaning to the world around us

    “Songs are as sad as the listener.”

    Jonathan Safran Foer

    Perspective shapes the world we live in

    “Loving people live in a loving world. Hostile people live in a hostile world. Same world.”

    Wayne W. Dyer

    Our mindset plays a powerful role in our perspective

    “What is behind your eyes holds more power than what is in front of them.”

    Gary Zukav

    We can choose to see what happens to us as for our higher good, our growth, our personal development.

    “Nothing happens to you, it happens for you. See the positive in negative events.”

    Joel Osteen

    Sometimes the only control we have is in our perspective.

    “The only thing you sometimes have control over is perspective. You don’t have control over your situation. But you have a choice about how you view it.“

    CHRIS PINE

    It is easy to see a negative perspective and harder to have a positive perspective

    “It’s so easy to look around and notice what’s wrong. It takes practice to see what’s right.”

    Melody Beattie

    Perspective shapes our direction

    “Perspective is to painting what the bridle is to the horse, the rudder to a ship.”

    Leonardo Da Vinci

    Be open to other perspectives

    “If you only have a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail.”

    ABRAHAM MASLOW

    How others perceive you has nothing to do with you and everything to do with them

    “Your perception of me is a reflection of you.”

    LOUIS ARMSTRONG

    “We can’t choose the filters that others choose when they look at us.”

    anon

    Thinking of other peoples perspectives can provide clarity

    “Most misunderstandings in the world could be avoided if people would simply take the time to ask, ‘What else could this mean?'”

    Shannon L. Alder

    Perspective can help us with empathy

    “Empathy begins with understanding life from another person’s perspective. Nobody has an objective experience of reality. It’s all through our own individual prisms.”

    Sterling K. Brown

    Perspective helps us differentiate and to form a point of view

    “Perspective gives us the ability to accurately contrast the large with the small, and the important with the less important. Without it we are lost in a world where all ideas, news, and information look the same. We cannot differentiate, we cannot prioritize, and we cannot make good choices.”

    John Sununu
    https://www.instagram.com/p/B_cKG8VgnSb/

    Additional resources on perspective, other points of view

    3 counter intuitive ways to take on another person’s point of view – PsychologyCompass

    Perspectives in Modern Psychology – Kendra Cherry, Verywellmind

    Learning to see things from another’s perspective – David Chan, The Strait Times

    Click here to read more

  • What is beauty, on being beautiful

    On being beautiful? Beauty is an ever evolving, dynamic concept. It is viewed from the lens of each individuals perspective.

    On first thought, the external appearance will be what many people think of.

    There is no one definition of beauty.

    Girls of all kinds can be beautiful – from the thin, plus-sized, short, very tall, ebony to porcelain-skinned; the quirky, clumsy, shy, outgoing and all in between. It’s not easy though because many people still put beauty into a confining, narrow box…Think outside of the box…Pledge that you will look in the mirror and find the unique beauty in you. 

    TYRA BANKS

    Beauty does not have to be superficial.

    “Some of us teach ourselves and our children to love the superficial outer; our looks, hair, skin, clothes rather than the greater beauty that resides within whereas it is that inner beauty that really defines you and who you truly are.”

    Rassool Jibraeel Snyman

    Although the concept of beauty can definitely take into account your appearance if you so choose to see so.

    “Outer beauty pleases the EYE. Inner beauty captivates the HEART.”

    MANDY HALE

    To me, beauty is beyond the external.

    Beauty is a state of mind, it is a feeling.

    Being beautiful.

    When you glow on the inside, you inevitably radiate beauty on the outside.

    Beauty is being comfortable in your own skin.

    Beauty is knowing you are worthy.

    Beauty is being confident in yourself.

    Beauty is to radiate love.

    Inspirational quotes on beauty and on being beautiful

    Beauty is. Beauty is inherent in all beings. You are beautiful.

    “There is nothing ugly; I never saw an ugly thing in my life: for let the form of an object be what it may, — light, shade, and perspective will always make it beautiful.”    

    John Constable

    Inner beauty is beauty in its truest form.

    “I believe inner beauty is beauty in its truest form. When we nurture ourselves, it brings an inevitable, positive transformation.” 

    PAULA ABDUL

    You determine whether you are beautiful, no body else does.

    “People often say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and I say that the most liberating thing about beauty is realizing you are the beholder.”    

    Salma Hayek

    You are beautiful, even if you can’t see yourself.

    “Butterflies can’t see their wings. They can’t see how truly beautiful they are, but everyone else can. People are like that as well.” Anonymous

    Naya Rivera

    The best part of beauty is beyond your physical external appearance.

    “The best part of beauty is that which no picture can express.”

    FRANCIS BACON

    What you see in the media isn’t necessarily true or beautiful.

    “Even the models we see in magazines wish they could look like their own images.”

    Cheri K. Erdman

    On beauty, it is how you feel about yourself.

    “How I feel about myself is more important than how I look. Feeling confident, being comfortable in your skin that’s what really makes you beautiful.”     

    Bobbi Brown

    Being beautiful is to be at peace with yourself.

    “I feel beautiful when I’m at peace with myself. When I’m serene, when I’m a good person, when I’ve been considerate of others.”     

    Elle Macpherson

    Being beautiful is to love yourself.

    “Beauty is when you can appreciate yourself. When you love yourself, that’s when you’re most beautiful.”

    ZOE KRAVITZ

    Affirmations on beauty and on being beautiful

    ♥ I am beautiful.

    ♥ I love who I am.

    ♥ I am comfortable in my own skin.

    ♥ Beauty radiates from within me.

    ♥ My beauty shines inside and out.

    ♥ I see all the beauty within me,

    ♥ My self confidence makes me beautiful.

    ♥ My big heart makes me beautiful.

    ♥ Being kind makes me beautiful.

    ♥ I feel beautiful today!

    ♥ I appreciate who I am inside and out.

    ♥ I love my smile.

    ♥ I love how I take care of myself.

    In conclusion on what is beauty and being beautiful

    Beauty is eternity gazing at itself in a mirror. But you are eternity and you are the mirror.     

    Kahlil Gibran

    More on being beautiful

    11 Ways to Feel Beautiful – Jenny Bailley, Oprah

    Read this today if you don’t feel beautiful today – Ella Cajayon, Literally, Darling

    Is Beauty A Feeling? Science Says Yes, So Here’s How You Can Capture It Yourself – Julia Guerra, Elite Daily

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